The Proof is in the Pudding
Today’s Verse:
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. ~Acts 4:13
One of our common idioms is: the proof is in the pudding. In other words, if you want to know how good or successful something is, try it for yourself. The Jewish priests and elders were trying to comprehend how two unlearned and ignorant men could be possessed with so much boldness and effectiveness in their witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. These men concluded that Peter and John had been with Jesus.
We see the converts.
The day before, Peter and John ministered to a man who was born lame from his mother’s womb. He was miraculously saved and healed from his inability to walk. Everyone knew who this beggar was and was amazed that he walked, leaped, and was praising God. In addition, Peter preached to the massive crowd that had assembled, and when he gave the invitation, five thousand of them received Christ as Savior. One of the surest evidences that you’ve spent time with Jesus is seen in the impact you make in the lives of others. People getting saved, lives being changed, and an entire area turning from sin tells others that Jesus is working in you.
We see the capability.
“And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?” What happened that day was extraordinary. So, the elders wanted to know who or what was behind all of what had happened. It has been said, “If you can’t explain, God is in it.” Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and gave a clear and compelling testimony of how the Lord working through them made the crippled man whole. The filling of the Holy Spirit is an absolute essential for our witness. Peter gave a credible and compelling answer to every man that asked him of the reason of the hope that was within him. The fullness of the Spirit in us is how we testify that we have been with Jesus.
We see the courage.
“They saw the boldness of Peter and John….” Peter and John were unashamed to speak up for Jesus. They were uninhibited to speak for Jesus. They were unscripted as they spoke for Jesus. In their boldness, they firmly accused the elders of crucifying Jesus and testified of God raising Him from the dead. They told them that salvation is only through the name of Jesus. Boldness in our witness indicates we are calm, clear, compelling, and convicting. Boldness is another confirmation that you have been with Jesus.
We see the conformity.
When the elders looked at Peter and John, it was evident that they were unlearned and ignorant men. They saw that Peter and John were glowing for Jesus. They saw that Peter and John were not afraid of being censured or reprimanded. There was an evidence that the freshness of Jesus’ presence was in their lives. We must spend quality and quantity time with our Lord in order for the freshness of His power and presence to be upon us. There was a conformity to Christ and no one else. If people will know what real Christianity is, they must see it in our lives. Can people tell that you have been with Jesus? The proof is in the pudding.
Have a Christ-consuming God Moring!
Bible Reading Schedule: Esther 1-5